I got off the train in Ponyville and took a deep breath. I’ve only been here a few months, but it’s already got that feel of home to it.

After getting my luggage, including the chest of coins, I quickly walked home. As nice as the trip was, I was anxious to get home and see what it looked like.

Sylvia and Brew, both in uniform, were walking up to the Carne Den at the same time I was. “Hi, guys!” I called out.

“Yang!” Sylvia leapt towards me with a magic boosted jump and attacked me with a viciously friendly hug. “Everyone missed you, so today’s going to be a good day, even if you’re not with us.”

“Once I get everything put away and I’m ready, I’ll be down there.”

“Can we help you?”

“I’d rather not, if you don’t mind” Brew said. “I’ve got numbers to crunch and coffee to make.”

“Can I help you?”

“Sure” I answered. “Tell me what I’ve missed.”

As we walked towards the door, Sylvia collected her thoughts. “Well, for the first couple days, Gilda was here from open to close, then I volunteered to cover openings for her because she was getting really tired. We did have a few complaints one day, but that was because a foal was crying. The parents didn’t seem to be paying any attention to her at all, so Gilda had Aegir throw them out while I brought their foal to them. It got really peaceful after that and all went as normal for the rest of the day. We got some nice extras from the guests for that. There were a lot of disappointed guests on Friday because you weren’t here for the Friday Grill. Gilda hired another bartender, Doodles Weaver, because our current ones were getting worn out. Doodles is a good bartender, but he sometimes says strange and funny things.”

“Like what?” I set my suitcase on the bed and got my dragon out first.

“He was telling a story about a friend of his during a show, and he said ‘Every eye was glued on Gabe, and he looked very funny with all those eyes glued on him’. He should be a hoot to have around.

“Also, Gilda said I could get a custom uniform, so I did. Like it?”

I looked at Sylvia again and noticed the new uniform. The orange and purple lines were still present on the black top, but now the orange faded into the right side. The collar was a mix of orange and purple that flowed from the color on the chest quite nicely.

The skirt was new. It was still short enough to not interfere with work, but now it was pleated and orange. Through the space between the orange pleats, some purple was visible underneath.

“On one hand, I do like it because it looks great, but on the other hand, it breaks the uniformity we’ve got going here, which I don’t really like.”

“I actually wanted some buttons along the orange and purple lines, but Gilda said no to that. She said they could snag and catch on things, which I don’t really buy. I mean, how often would that possibility come up?”

“I can see Gilda’s side on that and I’m siding with her. Yes, it is unlikely to happen, but if it does, that’s money that someone has to spend on fixing it, or time spent getting out of the snag. Besides, I like the buttonless look. It’s more professional, in my opinion.

“Also, when did Brew start making coffee for the early shifters?”

“The day after you left. He needed some coffee and the rest of us liked it, so it’s kind of become a thing.”

I got some clean undergarments and my work uniform gathered up. “Good to know. Is there anything else I need to know?”

“Ah, nope. It should be a slow Sunday. Oh, I just thought of something fun!”

“Should I be scared?”

“Gilda doesn’t know you’re back yet, so I’m thinking we surprise her. You do your thing in the kitchen, and when she shows up, we can send her there. You put her into a surprise hug and everyone enjoys the moment.”

I thought it over for a bit. “Nope. I don’t want to startle her. It wouldn’t be good for business if she reacts badly.”

“A good point.”

“I’ll just approach her casually. Anyways, I need to take a shower, so if you don’t mind going downstairs and helping with preparing for the day, that would be nice.”

Sylvia went downstairs while I went into the bathroom. I missed this place more than I thought I did. Still, it was time for a hot shower and getting ready for work. After today, I’ll make sure Gilda gets at least the next three days off. She’s earned it.

“Yang, you’re back!” Gilda’s exhausted look vanished when she saw me. “How was your trip?”

“Trains, a day of relaxing, lost a good amount of blood, spent a whole day asleep in the hospital, made a good spa become really busy, saw royalty, went to Las Pegasus, and that about sums it up.”

“You bled?”

“Let’s just say that transformation magic is best done without any clothes on.”

“. . . I’m not going to ask. I’m just happy to see you’re back.”

“If you want, you can leave early today and take the next three off.”

“How early?”

“As early as you want.”

“Well, I’m not about to just turn around right after I get here, so I’ll put in at least some time today.”

After closing up, I finished sorting out my luggage, changed to my robe, and went to sleep. It was good to be back and working again.